Stefano Colantuono urged media to stop asking about Antonio Di Natale’s future after his Coppa Italia brace for Udinese.
The 38-year-old denied this week that he could retire mid-season, but is likely to hang up his boots next summer.
“Let’s just leave him alone and let him work the way he is now,” Coach Colantuono told Rai Sport following a 3-1 win over Atalanta.
Stefano Colantuono urged media to stop asking about Antonio Di Natale’s future after his Coppa Italia brace for Udinese.
The 38-year-old denied this week that he could retire mid-season, but is likely to hang up his boots next summer.
“Let’s just leave him alone and let him work the way he is now,” Coach Colantuono told Rai Sport following a 3-1 win over Atalanta.
“This issue has been talked about in the wrong way recently. If he wants to retire it is because, as he said, after many years of career he could be a little downbeat.
“Against Chievo on Sunday he let us win the game with an incredible assist and scored twice today. Let’s just leave him alone.
“I can guarantee he is not difficult to deal with. He lives a healthy life, never gets it wrong at breakfast, lunch or dinner. He’s an exemplary professional.”
This was a special game for Colantuono, who was fired by Atalanta last season.
“It was strange facing Atalanta, perhaps in the Coppa Italia it felt less dramatic because there weren’t many fans, but I am happy to be in Udine. Of course I have seven years of Atalanta in my system and can never forget them, but I am concentrated on this club.”